Job Description

Competition # : 38457

Department: Agriculture

Location: LUNENBURG

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 4/19/2023 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Agriculture, our vision is to create a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market-focused and profitable. We work to support the development of competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia.

Crown Lending Agencies (CLA) is a division of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and administers the operational functions of the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board (FLB), Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board (FALB), and the Nova Scotia Timber Loan Board (TLB). Crown Lending Agencies consists of a dedicated team of loan officers and loan administrators supported by risk management and finance teams.

About Our Opportunity

The Vessel Inspector is responsible for providing detailed information on the value and condition of loan collateral (primarily commercial marine vessels) for the Boards purposes, reviewing and approving new marine vessel specifications and facilitating disbursement of loan advances following review of the request and supporting inspection or information. The Vessel Inspector is also responsible for the administration of the Boards maintenance inspection program and supporting Coastal Resource Coordinators with inspection queries and in-person inspections.

The position may have some flexibility in its home office location, with potential options including Lunenburg, Yarmouth, Halifax, Bible Hill or Pictou however, the incumbent will be required to regularly travel across Nova Scotia to meet clients and boatbuilders at their respective place of business, in their community, and at the various Department of Agriculture and Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture regional offices.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Vessel Inspector, your key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Supporting responsible lending decisions through providing technical advice to lending and risk management staff on vessel collateral - security value, useful life, condition, equipment, etc.
• As a subject matter expert, reviewing vessel specifications for compliance to Loan Board standards, Transport Canada regulations.
• Reviewing and approving loan advance requests on new vessel builds.
• Creating technical reports to document vessel inspections
• Acting as the Boards primary contact with boatbuilders, relating to existing mutual client work.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, centers of influence and other government departments.
• Contributing to loan portfolio growth and development by actively promoting programs and services.
• Mentoring and training support to Loan Officers and other Board staff.
• Staying up to date with industry regulations, standards and best practices

Qualifications and Experience

• College/vocational diploma in related discipline plus ten (10) years related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.
• Ideally, the Vessel Inspector will have completed a Naval Architecture Degree plus (6) years related experience or a Diploma of Technology (Naval Architecture) program plus (7) years related experience in the design, construction, and/or inspection of vessels.

You also possess the following:

• Knowledge of the fishing industry in the Atlantic provinces
• Working knowledge of vessel systems (mechanical, electrical, propulsion).
• Physical ability to climb vertical and incline ladders and crawl into confined spaces, following all applicable Occupational Health & Safety protocol and best practices.
• A through understanding and appreciation for Occupational Health & Safety protocol and ability to serve as an advocate for safe working practices during inspections, etc.
• A willingness to travel frequently to all areas of Nova Scotia and occasionally throughout the Atlantic provinces.
• Willingness to perform work in an industrial or shipyard setting.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and mentorship skills.
• Strong independent work ethic and ability to plan and manage multiple priorities for your workplan
• The ability to work independently, take initiative and drive results.
• Working knowledge of common computer programs including Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheets and databases. The position frequently uses Microsoft Access to record disbursements and approvals and maintenance of vessel security information in SAP.
• Motor vehicle license and regular access to a vehicle. A fleet vehicle is provided for regular use, however a personal vehicle may be required during unscheduled maintenance, etc.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: TE 29

Salary Range: $2,801.16 - $3,254.83 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia